Entertainment
ABIFF 2026: Abia International Film Festival Set To Host Global Filmmakers, Nollywood Stars, International Delegates In Aba
ABIFF 2026: Abia International Film Festival Set To Host Global Filmmakers, Nollywood Stars, International Delegates In Aba
…As Chinedu Ikedieze, Ejike Asiegbu, Uche Jombo, Nkiru Sylvanus, Joyce Kalu, Mike Ezuruonye, Basketmouth and other entertainment personalities feature among the festival’s distinguished names
…Festival promises international film screenings, professional masterclasses, youth empowerment, cultural exhibitions, medical outreach and a glamorous awards night
The Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF) is preparing for its highly anticipated third edition, scheduled to take place from November 26 to 29, 2026, in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, bringing together filmmakers, Nollywood personalities, international delegates, creative industry professionals, investors, cultural enthusiasts and emerging talents for a celebration of cinema, culture and creative excellence.
With the inspiring message, “Where Abia Meets the World Through Film,” ABIFF 2026 aims to strengthen Abia State’s position as a growing destination for international film collaboration, tourism, youth talent development and creative industry investment.
The festival, which has continued to attract filmmakers from different parts of the world, is expected to provide a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, professional networking, film education and the recognition of exceptional cinematic achievements.
A Growing International Film Festival
Since its establishment, the Abia International Film Festival has evolved into an important platform for promoting African storytelling, supporting emerging filmmakers and building meaningful relationships between Nigeria’s film industry and the international creative community.
According to the festival’s leadership, the 2026 edition has attracted 1,404 film submissions from more than 170 countries, highlighting its expanding international visibility and growing acceptance among global filmmakers.
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The festival recorded more than 600 submissions during its inaugural edition in 2024, followed by 1,243 submissions from 155 countries in 2025.
These achievements reflect ABIFF’s steady growth and its commitment to positioning Abia State as a destination for filmmaking, cultural tourism and international creative partnerships.
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Speaking on the significance of the upcoming edition, the President of the Abia International Film Festival, Dr. Philips Alexander Elekwa, described the festival as more than an entertainment event, emphasizing its wider economic and developmental importance.
“ABIFF is not just about celebrating films and recognizing outstanding filmmakers. It is about creating opportunities, discovering talents, empowering our young people, promoting our cultural heritage and attracting international partnerships that can strengthen Abia State’s creative economy.
“Our vision is to make Abia State a recognized destination for film production, creative excellence, cultural tourism and international artistic collaboration. We believe that the film industry can become a powerful instrument for job creation, economic growth and sustainable youth development,” he stated.
Nollywood Stars, Film Industry Leaders and Distinguished Personalities
The 2026 festival will spotlight an impressive network of Nollywood veterans, entertainers, industry stakeholders and creative professionals associated with the festival.
Among the prominent personalities highlighted are Chief Chinedu Ikedieze, MFR, popularly known as Aki, who serves as Vice President of ABIFF, and veteran Nollywood actor Ejike Asiegbu, the festival’s Executive Director.
Other notable Nollywood and entertainment personalities featured in the festival’s publicity and industry network include:
- Uche Jombo
- Nkiru Sylvanus
- Joyce Kalu
- Mike Ezuruonye
- Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth)
- Uche Elendu
- Gloria Anozie-Young
- Mary Lazarus
- Mary Uche
- Ikechukwu Mitchell Ogbonna (IK Ogbonna)
- Kalu Ikweagwu
- Collins Ejike
- Chinyere Nwabueze
- Geraldine Obi
- Oluchi Julius
- Ola Daniel
- Iheoma Thomas
- Maicon Emeka
These personalities represent the strength and diversity of Nigeria’s creative industry and the importance of collaboration between established stars and upcoming talents.
The festival is also expected to welcome filmmakers, producers, directors, cultural representatives and other industry professionals from Nigeria and abroad.
The participation and physical attendance of individual celebrities and invited personalities will be subject to their respective confirmations.
ABIFF Leadership and Festival Organizing Team
The festival is being coordinated by an experienced team of creative professionals, administrators and industry leaders.
The leadership includes:
- Dr. Philips Alexander Elekwa — President, ABIFF
- Chief Chinedu Ikedieze, MFR — Vice President
- Ejike Asiegbu — Executive Director
- Don Single Ndubuisi — Festival Director
- Amb. Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele, PhD — Director of Operations
- Gloria Anozie-Young — Information and Communication
- Chief Eugene Orji Ikoro Okoronkwo — Director of Finance
- Engr. Chinedu Destiny Agbahiwe — Project and Technical Director
- Mr. Kingsley Chukwujekwu Izuagba — Assistant Festival Director
- Engr. Godswill Uche Elekwa — Head of Artificial Intelligence
- Jonathan Emenike (Saintjoe) — Assistant Director of Mobilisation, Strategy and Planning
- Uzodinma Okpechi — Abia Nollywood DGN Director
- Wisdom Nwankwo — Director of Mobilisation, Strategy and Planning
- Ahamefula Ndubuisi — Festival Coordinator
- Amb. Obi Heart Okeke — Assistant Festival Coordinator
- Sir Chris Akwawandu, OFS, JP, PhD — Director of Training
- Uche Elendu — Director of Marketing
- Jane Chidimma Ike — Festival Media Director
- Ebidouye Daniel Jones — Festival Technical Director
- David A. Uche — Director of Programmes
- Jennifer Nnenna Onuoha — Public Relations and Marketing Manager
- Miss Chiazolam Winifred Asiegbu — Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis
- Paul Uba Santos — Director of Film Production and Creative Development
- Felicia Oluchi Ezeji — ABIFF Coordinator, Aba
- Abel Okpachu Ngbede — Festival Cultural Director
- Beatrice Ugochi Uche — Assistant Festival Director
The organizing committee is working towards delivering a professionally coordinated festival that will provide meaningful experiences for filmmakers, industry stakeholders, international visitors and members of the public.
Festival Activities and Programme Highlights
The 2026 edition promises an engaging combination of filmmaking, education, entertainment, networking, community development and cultural activities.
Red Carpet Reception and Opening Ceremony
The festival will feature red-carpet arrivals, cultural performances, official opening addresses and the presentation of selected films, providing opportunities for filmmakers and industry stakeholders to interact with local and international audiences.
Professional Film Masterclasses and Industry Discussions
Training sessions will focus on acting, film directing, screenwriting, film production, emerging technologies and practical skills development.
Industry professionals and invited facilitators will share knowledge and experiences designed to prepare participants for the evolving global film industry.
Youth Empowerment and Talent Development
As part of ABIFF’s commitment to building the next generation of creative professionals, the festival will showcase youth training initiatives, talent pitch sessions, mentoring opportunities and programmes that connect aspiring filmmakers with experienced industry practitioners.
The ABIFF Academy and related training programmes are expected to play an important role in supporting emerging talents.
International Film Screenings and Cultural Exchange
Selected Nigerian and international films will provide audiences with opportunities to experience diverse storytelling traditions, cultures and perspectives.
The screenings will encourage discussions, professional collaboration and a deeper appreciation of global cinema.
Community Free Medical Outreach
Beyond entertainment, ABIFF plans to continue its community engagement activities through a free medical outreach designed to support public health awareness and provide assistance to members of the host community.
All-Abian Nollywood Artists Night
One of the festival’s anticipated highlights is the All-Abian Nollywood Artists Night, a celebration of Abia’s contributions to Nigeria’s film and entertainment industries.
The event will feature entertainment and cultural experiences, including music, comedy, fashion and opportunities to celebrate homegrown creative talent.
Grand Awards Gala and Closing Ceremony
The festival will culminate in a glamorous awards ceremony recognizing excellence in filmmaking, outstanding creative contributions and achievements across selected categories.
The grand finale will also provide opportunities for partnership announcements, appreciation of sponsors and recognition of individuals and organizations supporting the growth of the creative industry.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Filmmaking
A distinctive focus of ABIFF 2026 will be the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the global film industry.
Through its technical and artificial intelligence departments, the festival intends to promote awareness of emerging filmmaking tools, innovative production methods and opportunities for young Nigerian creatives to participate in the rapidly changing digital economy.
The initiative underscores ABIFF’s commitment to ensuring that Abia’s next generation of filmmakers is prepared to compete in the international creative marketplace.
Boosting Abia State’s Tourism and Creative Economy
Beyond the red carpet and film screenings, ABIFF 2026 is expected to generate wider economic and cultural opportunities for Aba and Abia State.
The influx of participating filmmakers, delegates and visitors could benefit hotels, transport operators, restaurants, hospitality businesses, traders and other local service providers.
The festival also aims to showcase Abia’s cultural heritage, creative talents, historical attractions and investment potential to visitors from different parts of Nigeria and the world.
Dr. Elekwa emphasized that the long-term ambition is to develop ABIFF into a sustainable international cultural institution that contributes to economic growth and offers practical benefits to the people of Abia State.
Registration Opens for Festival Participants
The organizing committee invites filmmakers, actors, actresses, film students, content creators, journalists, cultural organizations, government agencies, corporate bodies, development partners and members of the public to register for the 2026 edition.
Interested participants are encouraged to select the festival programmes and experiences they wish to attend through the official registration platform.
Festival details
Event: Abia International Film Festival (ABIFF), Third Edition
Date: November 26–29, 2026
Host City: Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
Registration: https://abiafilmfestival.org/abiff-registration/
Festival Website: https://abiafilmfestival.org
Email: info@abiafilmfestival.org
The complete programme and updated event schedule will be communicated through the festival’s official channels.
ABIFF 2026: Where Abia Meets the World Through Film
With an expanding international reach, a distinguished network of industry professionals, and a strong commitment to talent development and cultural promotion, the Abia International Film Festival is positioning its third edition as another significant milestone in the state’s creative development journey.
As preparations gather momentum, the festival leadership is extending an invitation to filmmakers, international delegates, corporate partners, media organizations and cinema enthusiasts to become part of this celebration of creativity, culture and opportunity.
ABIFF 2026 — Celebrating Stories Without Borders.
Where Abia Meets the World Through Film.
For media inquiries, interviews, sponsorship opportunities and festival participation, visit www.abiafilmfestival.org.
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